In Alberta, Canada the average national cost to install precast concrete steps ranges from $3,000 to $15,100.
This installation cost varies with:
No. of steps required
Type of concrete used
Length and design of stairs
Colour additive
Location & access point
Lighting recessed or above
AVERAGE COST TO INSTALL CONCRETE STEPS | |
Average Cost | $3,800 |
Highest Cost | $35,000 |
Lowest Cost | $1,000 |
Concrete Precast Step Installation Cost Breakdown
There are many factors in determining the overall cost of putting in new concrete steps, just like when calculating the price to put in any set of stairs. Below are the primary cost factors to consider when planning your budgeting for some new concrete stairs in Calgary.
Costs of labor
The labor to install concrete steps comes to around $1250 to $3800, with an hourly rate of $60 to $130. On average, it takes two weeks to make precast concrete stairs, that includes prep, pour, heating (7days). The Installation process takes 1-2 days depending on the design, the type of installation and the location of the steps. Weather conditions can also affect labor install time and rates, but only if you are placing stairs in an exterior location, such as a front entrance way it can be done in faster time frames. Talk to a local concrete company or a general contractor for specific rates that reflect your needs. If you would prefer your concrete stairs poured in place on site www.envirocrete.ca is a trusted concrete provider we work with.
Material cost
After labor is considered, the main cost factor is the materials for the precast concrete that make up the your new stairs. This is why the quality and process is paramount in its design. A low-grade cement step costs around $380, while steps featuring high-quality cement come in at around $1400. Our architectural concrete stairs are more expensive than old generic stair designs. Typically the old design of precast stairs cost $2800 - $4800.
Concrete Step Installation
To install a precast concrete stair depends directly on the type and size of each unit. A stair with a standard width of around 8 feet costs $590 to $1350 per stair, this includes a footing design, landings and wing construction. Some stairs with unusual size or shape considerations tend to cost more. Poured concrete steps cost $400 per unit, with a minimum cost of $4500 in Calgary Alberta. While pre-fabricated stairs in Canada cost an average of $590 per unit all inclusive. Both of these calculations include materials and labor.
Concrete Step Installation Cost by Type
There are two basic types of concrete steps, precast model deisgns and insitu that require the on-site pouring of concrete. Each iteration boasts unique use case scenarios and price ranges.
Precast Stairs
This is the more budget-friendly option, for obvious reasons. Precast stairs are already built, so there’s a massive reduction of labor costs and quality improvement. The average cost to place an entire precast staircase is $3800 to $15,500, which includes three to 15 architectural stairs as well as concrete landings and wing walls. Materials make up most of the $3800 to $15,500 of this cost, with labor typically comes to $1,500 to $4,500. The benefits of precast concrete stairs include a speedier installation process, increased repair and maintenance options and not having to get a concrete crew to disturb the access for other trades.
These steps are already built, if there any design changes it change affect the time to install the stairs, so the installation area must match the pre-existing dimensions.
Concrete Stairs pour in place (in-situ)
Concrete pour in place tends to be the more expensive option, but it allows for greater placement and design versatility. Pouring concrete costs $3,000 to $15,100 for a full set of standard 2-foot-by-11-inch steps. This includes $1500 to $13,000 for the cement itself, $1500 minimum for delivery, $1400 to $4,800 for labor and any required building permits. Pouring concrete is labor-intensive but you can mold the steps to any shape you want and install them just about anywhere. For a local concrete concrete contractor in Calgary Alberta www.envirocrete.ca
Concrete Stair Installation Cost by Location in Calgary
Where you place the steps impacts the cost, as some areas are easily accessible while others present certain challenges for contractors. Here’s how that breaks down.
LOCATION | AVERAGE COST FOR FULL SET |
Front entryway | $3,800 |
Exterior basement | $4,300 |
Interior basement | $1290 |
Landscape-adjacent | $3,400 |
Front Steps
The front entryway leading to the front door is a popular place for concrete stairs because the material is durable enough to withstand constant traffic, especially in Calgary with the cold temperatures. This is also a fairly easy area to work in, assuming that there’s space for the steps and that pre-existing materials have been disposed of. Laying down poured steps at the entryway costs $3,200 to $12,500, including labor and materials, with pre-fabricated stairs costing $3800 to $15,000.
Exterior Basement Steps
Concrete might not be the best look for stairs leading to the bedroom, but they sure are perfect for stairs leading to or inside of the basement. The costs here fluctuate depending on whether you need exterior or interior steps. Exterior steps leading to the basement cost $2,500 to $4,900, depending on the design (poured or prefab), the size and the number of units.
Indoor cement stairs in the basement are a little more budget-friendly, at $2,000 to $5,000, as working inside is generally easier for contractors than working outside.
Landscape Steps
Laying down three to five steps outside as part of a landscaping design costs $1900 to $4,000, with the price increasing with each additional unit. These steps require a bit more aesthetic flourish, increasing the price, as you want them to look good and match the current design. Alternatively, basement stairs are more about function than looks.
Issues With Concrete Step Installation Costs
Beyond materials, labor, location and type, there are several other factors that contribute to the cost of installing concrete stairs.
Staircase Size
Since materials are such a primary cost factor, thanks to the cement, the number of steps required impacts the total cost at an average rate of $1120 to $1430 per step, depending on the design and location. The size of steps themselves impacts cost estimates as well, as standard steps with a width of around 4 feet come in at $300 to $280 per step, but larger steps cost more, at $1150 to $4100 per step.
Finally, unusual shapes for aesthetic purposes or to fit a pre-existing structure increases the price, though this will fluctuate depending on your contractor.
Optional Coatings
Just like regular steps, applying an optional coating increases the visual appeal, durability and overall slip protection. This is especially important if you plan to lay steps in a highly-trafficked part of the home, such as the entranceway. At PCS we provide a light sandlabd that helps with traction upon wet/icy conditions. Certain precast stairs already ship with stone treads for these reasons, but adding stone treads on your own costs around $1130 to $1530 per set of stairs. Applying a traditional cement coating averages out to $400 to $800 per set.
Accessories and Fixtures
Adding some optional accessories and fixtures to your steps can make them more functional, safer and better looking. For instance, installing wood or metal railings along the side drastically decreases the chances of an accidental fall and costs $500 to $900 for an entire set. At precast concrete solutions with can add a lighting element to our concrete stairs. Other upgrades include custom carvings and finishes for unique aesthetics and carpeting. Installing carpet on stairs costs anywhere from $600 to $4,500, while the price to create unique carvings depends on the design.
Additional Costs and Considerations Associated With Precast Concrete Stair Installation
In the vast majority of cases, the aforementioned cost factors add up to the full estimate. However, there are rare instances that cause the price to fluctuate a little bit.
Building Permits
Some parts of the country require a building permit for concrete stairs to adhere to local building codes. These permits cost $300 to $1,250 and typically include a professional inspector that takes a look at the work once completed. Additionally, some areas require that concrete steps be attached to the home’s foundation, which adds to the overall estimate.
Removal and Disposal
Concrete is heavy and tough to haul, so if you are removing pre-existing steps before installing new ones, it’ll cost you. Removing and disposing of concrete costs $4 to $6 per square foot and removing and disposing of an entire set of traditional stairs costs anywhere from $500 to $900, depending on how durable the stairs are. Stairs reinforced with wire mesh or steel bars are tougher to remove than standard designs, requiring heavy machinery. This quite obviously raises the price. Talk to your professional to discuss removal options.
5 Ways to Save Money on Concrete Step Installation
As you’ve surmised, installing concrete steps is not the most budget-friendly project around, but there are some money-saving steps worth exploring especially in Calgary Alberta.
Go for Prefab
There are no two ways about it. Pre-made concrete steps are easier on the bank account than poured concrete. Save some money by going with a prefab set.
Repair the Steps Instead of Replacing
If you really want to cut costs and already have concrete steps you were thinking of replacing, consider repairing these steps before going ahead with a costly renovation project. The cost of repairing an existing staircase is usually much lower than the cost of adding a new one.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Contractors typically charge by the hour, so save money by making sure the area is ready to go when they arrive. Clean the area and remove any debris and make sure the location is easily accessible.
Do Parts of the Job Yourself
While installing concrete steps is not a DIY-friendly job, there are aspects of the project you can do yourself to help with costs. For instance, remove and dispose of pre-existing components before the contractors arrive and, if you have the skills to do it securely, mount the railing yourself once they finish.
Get Multiple Quotes
Practice caution with contractors and don’t pick the first estimate you come across. Gather multiple quotes and pick the most reliable option with the lowest quote.
DIY Concrete Step Installation vs. Hiring a Professional
This is one of those jobs that is truly helped by hiring a team of professionals, as even simple prefab designs are extremely heavy and require a vast array of tools and materials to install. If you are confident in your experience level and have worked with concrete before, flex those DIY muscles with a prefab design. Everyone else? Go with a pro. Additionally, pouring concrete on-site to build steps is a job best left to professional contractors. This process requires heavy machinery and is extremely time-sensitive, due to the nature of rapidly drying concrete.
You’ll save around 20% to 30% by doing this project yourself, but that is only if you have immediate access to all of the tools and materials required for the job. Additionally, you’ll pay more for the steps or wet concrete than a contractor would, due to industry connections and the like.
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